James R. "Jim" Moltion

James “Jim” Moltion, 76 of LaFayette, died May 17, 2020 at his home. Jim spent most of his life in LaFayette and graduated from LaFayette Central Schools in 1962. He is the son of the late William and Eleanor Raymo Moltion. Jim is survived by his brother, David (Brenda) Moltion of LaFayette; his sister-in-law Barbara of Jamesville; Eric Daniszewski, who is like a son to him; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother and sister in law, William R. and Sue Moltion; and his brother, John F. Moltion of Jamesville.
After high school, he took an entry-level job working the third shift at General Electric. He would hitchhike to work. He took advantage of courses taught at GE and within two years, he was a senior troubleshooter. He earned the title of Engineer, and climbed the ladder to team leader/manager in the military electronics division. He was an electronics expert and a science enthusiast. Jim enjoyed travelling and visiting Turkey, Japan, Hawaii, and one of his favorites, the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, while working as a defense contractor repairing and upgrading radar systems.
When his father became ill, he gave up the corporate lifestyle to return to LaFayette to help his younger brother run the family farm. During this time, he began one of his other passions. He started attending classes at Oswego State and became a teacher for BOCES and other various vocational/alternative high school programs. He loved to share his knowledge with others.
He started multiple businesses along the way. He had a TV, phone system, printing/copying, computer and repair business. Jim also owned a computer recycling business and obtained a patent for a machine used in computer recycling.
Jim had a sense of service ingrained in his soul. He spent over 40 years as a volunteer for the LaFayette Fire Department Inc. During that time, he held many positions including working with the junior firefighters, past Chaplin and as a past Fire Chief. He also was a leader of Explorer Club and one of the troop members went on to become an Eagle Scout. Jim was a past “Nobel Grand” for the International Order of Odd Fellows.
The family would like to give a special thanks to his caregivers who without them his final wishes of staying at home would not have been possible. Thank you to John Plumley, Sharon and Christa Cleaver, Louie DePalma, Jeff Houck, Tanya Brennen, Cindi Comins, and Hospice.
Jim’s final wishes were to be cremated and his ashes spread on his family’s former farm. No traditional services per his request.
Jim’s greatest wish was to create a scholarship fund. Contributions can be made to: CNY NY Community Foundation by going to www.cnycf.org/givenow and typing in the Fund Name field “Jim Moltion Fund” or by check to the “Central New York Community Foundation” and write “Jim Moltion Fund” in the memo section. Checks should be mailed to: 431 E. Fayette Street, Syracuse NY 13202.
Arrangements are with Fairchild & Meech DeWitt Chapel.